Fergie solves Berbatov riddle

29 July 2009 07:50

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SIR Alex Ferguson has admitted that he did not use Dimitar Berbatov to his full potential last season. The former Spurs hitman, who cost Fergie a record £30.75m, looked impressive on United's tour to the Far East - scoring twice and showing a developing understanding with new strike partner Michael Owen. And now the United boss reckons he has worked out how to get the very best out of the enigmatic Bulgarian. Fergie knows the Old Trafford jury is still out on the laidback striker, but remains adamant that his star man is ready to shine. "I expected the form we've seen from Berbatov," he said. "Last season was a strange one for him and maybe we didn't use him in the right way. We know exactly how to use him now - further up the pitch, playing as a centre-forward." Fergie was a staunch supporter of his record-signing last season, despite his inconsistent form. Berbatov scored just nine goals in the Premier League - most of them coming against teams in the bottom half of the table. His tame penalty miss saw United lose the FA Cup semi-final to Everton in a shoot-out and he was notably named only as a substitute in the semi-finals and final of the Champions League. His first-team place would have come under significant threat from Karim Benzema had Fergie successfully landed his No1 target this summer. But Owen's pre-season form also suggests he could push Berbatov hard this season which can only be good for United and their fans. Do you think Berbatov's form last season was just a blip? Have your say.